High Mountain Trail to Ortles across the Cresta del Coston

Informationen zur Tour High Mountain Trail to Ortles across the Cresta del Coston

Tour Hauptmerkmale

Duration

9:30 h

Distance

16.2km

Altitude

1850 m

Altitude

2340 m

Max. height

3858 m

Ortles, the roof of Alto Adige

Directions

From the terminal at the top of the Langenstein cable car (2,330 m) we will walk up the moderately steep Morosini footpath (marked number 3), towards the Rifugio Cresta del Coston (2.664 m), passing the Punta del Coston. Overnight halt. An early start is required for the Cresta del Coston. This is because it is hard to find the ascending route in darkness (marked no. 2), exploring this section of the trail a day earlier is highly recommended. To begin with, the route to the moraine of the Forcella di Solda is flat. We then head north-west across a rugged area of loose stones and rocky debris (looking out for falling rocks), and then walk up the left side. Walking past a small frozen waterfall (II) we eventually reach the Cresta del Coston. After crossing the first glaciated plain, we walk up towards Signalkopf (3,725 m) and around it along the path. Following the direction to the Coston, we cross the small frozen waterfall (IV), and reach the second glaciated section. We will cross this inaccessible section of the firn (35° – 40°) too. After climbing up a short, easy and exposed section (IV) we reach the top of the Ortles (3,905 m).

The descent is via the via normale (route no. 4), not to be underestimated, leading up to the Rifugio Payer. From here we eventually descend the valley to Solda, walking past the Rifugio Tabaretta.

Variante

From the terminal at the foot of the Langenstein cable car follow route no. 3 up to the terminal at the top of the cable car.

Starting point

The terminal at the top of the Langenstein cable car

Target point

The terminal at the top of the Langenstein cable car

Specificity

A scenic but challenging and risky hike at high altitude. Suitable only for experienced mountaineers with adequate equipment. The ascent requires sure-footedness on rocky ground of up to grade 3 difficulty. Climbing of grade 4 difficulty is also required in some sections.

This trail must be taken only in ideal conditions. Adverse weather conditions can prolong the journey and it is therefore necessary to allow enough time for your journey.

Take extra care on the Coston!!! Inaccessible rocky slopes on both sides.

The Rifugio Cresta del Coston is often full in high season, therefore prior booking of an overnight stay is recommended.

Parking

Parking is available at the terminal at the foot of the Kanzel cable car

Public transportation

By railway from the Val Venosta to Spondinga. Take the bus towards the village of Gomagoi from where you take another bus to reach Solda.